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COMMENTARY: BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT WE HAVE AND LOOK FORWARD WITH HOPE AND ANTICIPATION

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BY STEPHEN RICHARD SEITZ-RETIRED MINISTER

FROM EVANSVILLE, IND.

 November and December each year is a time when we are supposed to be thankful for all we have and also to look forward with hope and anticipation.  And I do.  However, it is sad that not all of us experience what these two months are designed for.  Here is where my feelings are today. 

For me, November (specifically Thanksgiving Day) brings the reminder  that I am blessed with many things:  family, friends, and stuff.  And I truly am thankful that the genesis of Thanksgiving Day was intended to do just that – make me thankful.  At the same time, however, I am sad that thankfulness is not always on my mind directing my behavior.  I sometimes get so caught up with the busyness of living that the farthest thing from my heart is gratitude.  Instead, I foolishly think only of the harshness of the world, the disappointments either myself or a family member have experienced, or the injustices which befall many people.

Again, for me, December (specifically Christmas Day) brings to mind that real hope lies in whether or not I am truly being guided by the faith which I profess and practice.  My faith is not, perhaps, the faith you choose.  Be that as it may, whatever your belief system is, my best guess is that it was designed to offer you hope and peace in the here and now.  That being said, I still too often develop a Santa Claus mindset in December which encourages me to concentrate more on buying and giving gifts to family and friends than in anticipating a closer relationship with God now and in the coming year.

By this time you have, no doubt, come to the conclusion that I am far from being a perfect man.  I own up to it, I confess it!  To my way of thinking, the genius of AA or NA or any of several other “Twelve Step” programs that necessary first step is to admit to yourself that you are not in control of your life!  How can you be honest with others when you are unwilling to be honest with yourself?!?!  “I’m guilty, I’ve wronged God and others and, in the process, I’ve duped myself. I’ve cheated myself out of the love, joy, peace, and hope which God intends for me to enjoy!”     

After sharing my inadequacies, I hope that you will join me in striving to do better in the days and years ahead.  This invitation, for me, is that I can live up to who I am and who I am supposed to be as a believer.  The invitation for you is, I hope, to come to the realization of the truth made by Augustine over a thousand years ago:

“ . . . you have made us for yourself, and  our heart is restless until it rests in you.” 

To my way of thinking Augustine was so very true!  There is nothing more important than knowing God.  It is what we are made for! 

Grace and Peace!

 

Ritzy’s Fantasy Of Lights Opens Tonight Night At 5pm

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Ritzy’s Fantasy Of Lights Opens Tonight At 5pm With Help Of Santa Claus & Easterseals Child Ambassador

  • Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights will be open nightly from Thanksgiving through Jan. 1, 5-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The show will again feature the popular and naturally socially distanced drive-through format.
  • Vehicles will be excluded on one night only – Dec. 1 – when the event will be open ONLY for Bright Lights for Easterseals, a 5K timed run and 1-mile fun walk. Details on Bright Lights are at www.eastersealsrehabcenter.com and www.runsignup.com/brightlights5k.
  • This will be the biggest Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights ever, featuring a record number of scenes, 70 in all. All will shine brighter than ever, transformed with energy-saving LED bulbs.
  • Admission per vehicle remains the same affordable price: Up to 6 people $7; 7-14 people $10; 15 or more people $25. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at www.bidpal.net/ritzysfol21 or at any Evansville Ritzy’s, or at the event.
  • Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available nightly through Dec. 31 (except Dec. 1), weather permitting, and are $30 for up to 6 people (cash only, paid upon arrival, offered on a first-come, first-served basis).
  • More details on Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights are available at www.bidpal.net/ritzysfol21 or www.EastersealsRehabCenter.com and www.Facebook.com/EastersealsRehabCtr.
  • Kids and families can ride the Polar Bear Express luxury limo with Santa each Tuesday before Christmas. Price is $5 per person. Sponsored by Jim Back, CFP-Financial Advisor Edward Jones.
  • Wednesday nights are Krispy Kreme Wednesdays, when random visitors will receive free boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts.
  • Thursdays are Evansville Thunderbolts Thursdays, when the first 100 visitors will receive free tickets to a Thunderbolts hockey game.

 

Evansville Police Department Maintains National Accreditation By CALEA

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 The Evansville Police Department was awarded national accreditation on November 19, 2021, by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). The agency was first accredited in 1994. 

Following a multi-year self-assessment phase and a meticulous site-based assessment of community engagement, policy, procedures, equipment, and facilities by CALEA assessors, Chief Billy Bolin and Accreditation Manager Captain Scott Doan attended the CALEA 2021 Fall Conference. Each agency being reviewed goes before CALEA’s 21-member Board of Commissioners where the commission reviews all findings and determines the agencies’ accreditation status. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual CALEA Conference, where agencies are formally reviewed and awarded in person, was taken online to a virtual format. On Friday, November 19, 2021, the CALEA Commission voted to approve the reaccreditation of the Evansville Police Department. CALEA President Anthony Purcell and Executive Director W. Craig Hartley, Jr. will formally award the Evansville Police Department with accreditation, signifying excellence in public safety and commitment to the community. This is the Evansville Police Department’s 9th award of national accreditation. 

In 1979, the Commission was created through the combined efforts of four major law enforcement organizations; the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Police Executive Research Forum. 

The purpose of the Commission is to develop standards based on international best practices in public safety and to establish and administer the accreditation process. The accreditation process is how a public safety agency voluntarily demonstrates how it meets professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery. 

“This award of accreditation does not come easy,” said CALEA President Anthony Purcell, Chief of Police, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Police Department. “Agencies must go through a rigorous review and evaluation of their organization and then implement the necessary policy and procedure changes. The process does not stop at that point. By voluntarily choosing to seek CALEA accreditation, the agency commits to an ongoing review of adherence to CALEA’s standards. Each community with CALEA accredited agencies should feel confident that their public safety organization is going above and beyond and operating under  the highest standards in public safety.” 

About CALEA 

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®) was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement’s major executive associations: International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP); National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE); National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA); and the 

Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). 

The purpose of CALEA’s Accreditation Programs is to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by: maintaining a body of standards, developed by public safety practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives; establishing and administering an accreditation process; and recognizing professional excellence. 

Specifically, CALEA’s goals are to: Strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities; Formalize essential management procedures; Establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices; Improve service delivery; Solidify interagency cooperation and coordination; and Increase community and staff confidence in the agency. 

The CALEA Accreditation Process is a proven modern management model; once implemented, it presents the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), on a continuing basis, with a blueprint that promotes the efficient use of resources and improves service delivery—regardless of the size, geographic location, or functional responsibilities of the agency. 

This accreditation program provides public safety agencies an opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate that they meet an established set of professional standards based on industry best practices and approved by an all-volunteer board of commissioners 

“PEACE ZONE” IS EMPOWERING THOSE LIVING WITH MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

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“PEACE ZONE” IS EMPOWERING THOSE LIVING WITH MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

“Peace Zone” is located at 410 Mulberry Street in Evansville and was founded in 2012 by Beth Barchet and Rick Paul of Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. with the vision of empowering those living with mental health issues through a welcoming peer-run recovery center that is open to the public.

In addition to mental health, Peace Zone also offers services to those with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues. After receiving a grant from the state of Indiana (through the Division of Mental Health and Addiction), Peace Zone first opened its doors on February 28th, 2013, as the first in the state to be associated with a mental health center. With over 1200 visits in its first four months of operation, Peace Zone was a success!

As a peer-run organization, meaning that individuals in recovery are active in running the organization, the Peer Advisory Council helps provide direction and leadership for the day-to-day operations and the Board of Directors providers financial and strategic oversight to keep procedures running smoothly. Although each individual person’s story and recovery process is unique, members can find comfort in knowing that they are not traveling the road alone and that recovery is possible for everyone.

Peace Zone offers community education and outreach, daily support groups, Wellness Recovery Action Planning courses (WRAP), arts empowerment with a weekly Art Buddies group, and peer mentoring. Certified Recovery Specialist and Peer Wellness Outreach Coordinator, Michelle Krack, makes weekly visits to Southwestern Behavioral’s Stepping Stone, Deaconess CrossPointe, St. Vincent, the mental health court program, and the Evansville State Hospital to tell her inspiring recovery story and provide information about Peace Zone to the public.

Certified Recovery Specialists, including Lisa Cheatem, facilitate routine conversations and guidance to peers in need of recovery support. According to Program Coordinator and Office Manager, Evan Plock, the ever-present goal of Peace Zone is to help individuals achieve their full potential in their recovery journey, to provide a welcoming sense of community, to inspire members to participate in recovery programs and to educate the public and decrease the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Peace Zone is located at 410 Mulberry Street, Evansville, Ind and is open Tuesdays noon-4 PM, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9 AM-4 PM, and Fridays 9 AM-2 PM.

Monetary donations are accepted via PayPal/mail and clothing/toiletry donations can be brought to Peace Zone, as a staff is preparing care packages for those in need during the holidays. 

FOOTNOTE: The City-County Observer urges you to support this most worthy non-profit community organization. You can contact us at PZOfficeManager@peaceevansville.org 

Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana Partners With USI To Bring Bike Parks/Trails To Evansville Area

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Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana Partners With USI To Bring Bike Parks/Trails To Evansville Area

(Fundraising Initiative Under Way To Complete Project)

Evansville, IN, November 23, 2021 – Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana recently received approval from the University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees and USI Foundation Board to move forward with a project that would bring 20 miles of trails and more than 22 acres of bike parks to property owned by USI and its foundation. The new trails would be located across the university’s 1,400-acre campus located just outside the city of Evansville.

Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana is a local non-profit based out of Boonville, Indiana, with a mission to develop quality trails and trail support programs throughout southwest Indiana. Trailheads also offers bike-related activities such as weekly rides, bike maintenance, and trail work for local students, including those in the communities of Boonville, Jasper, Lynnville, Newburgh, Oakland City, and Santa Claus in Indiana.

“While this trail system would offer a much-needed hub for local trail users, the scale and variety of features in this project would also help the University of Southern Indiana stand out as one of the premier campuses in the country for bike trails,” said Brad Scales, Executive Director for Trail Heads. “We hope the local and regional communities will get behind this project and help to make it a reality.”

Trail Heads will begin fundraising immediately to raise matching funds towards an approximately $1 million grant through the third round of Indiana DNR’s Next Level Trails grant program. If awarded full funding from a third-round grant by DNR Next Level Trails program, construction would begin by fall 2022 and take about two years to complete.

“We look forward to collaborating with Trail Heads on this project that will create an experience not found in most Midwestern college campuses,” said Jim Wolfe, Director of Facility Operations and Planning. “We hope to draw more of the community, near and far, to the USI campus, while also providing more outdoor recreational activities for our students.”

To donate to the Trail Heads -Southwest Indiana USI project, visit give.classy.org/usitrails. Charitable donations may also be deductible on tax returns.

For more information about the project or Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana visit www.trailheadsbike.com or contact Brad Scales, Executive Director at 812-217-6340 or contact@trail-heads.org.

Gov. Holcomb Makes Appointments To Various Boards And Commissions

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Holcomb

INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced several appointments to various state boards and commissions.

Behavioral Health & Human Services Licensing Board

The governor made six reappointments to the board, who will serve until September 30, 2025:

  • Elizabeth Cunningham (Carmel), psychiatrist with Community Health Network
  • Jackie Eitel (Greencastle), business development manager for the Indiana Health Information Exchange
  • Kelley Gardner (Indianapolis), director of operations with Eskenazi Health
  • Andrew Harner (Indianapolis), clinical manager for social work with Riley Hospital for Children
  • Kimble Richardson (Indianapolis), manager of business development at Community Health Network
  • Stephan Viehweg (Greenfield), associate director of the Riley Child Development Center and assistant research professor of pediatrics at the IU School of Medicine

The governor also made three new appointments to the board, who will serve until September 30, 2025:

  • Dianna Cooper-Bolinskey (Terre Haute), partner and practitioner with Wabash Valley Therapy, LLC, and associate professor at Campbellsville University
  • Jon Ferguson (Carmel), behavioral health manager for Ascension St. Vincent, Carmel Clay Schools
  • Martin Justice (Vevay), division director for addiction services at Community Mental Health Center

Board of Trustees of Ball State University

The governor made two reappointments to the board, who will serve until December 31, 2025:

  • Renae Conley (Chicago, IL), CEO of ER Solutions, LLC
  • Mike McDaniel (Indianapolis), executive director of governmental affairs for Krieg DeVault

The governor also made one new appointment to the board, who will serve until December 31, 2025:

  • Julie Griffith (Carmel), executive vice president for Strategy, Partnerships and Outreach for IN3 (Indiana Innovation Institute)

Judicial Nominating Commission for the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals

The governor made one new appointment to the commission, who will serve until December 31, 2024:

  • Danny Lopez (Carmel), vice president for External Affairs and Corporate Communications with Pacers Sports & Entertainment

State Board of Dentistry

The governor made two reappointments to the board, who will serve until November 30, 2025:

  • Ted Reese, DDS (Indianapolis), principal of Indianapolis Dentistry
  • Jeffrey Snoddy, DDS (Terre Haute), principal of Terre Haute Family Dental

The governor also made four new appointments to the board, who will serve until November 30, 2025:

  • Tammera Glickman (Carmel), assistant general counsel of the Indiana Department of Administration
  • Matthew Kolkman, DDS (Fort Wayne), owner of Grabill Family Dentistry
  • Twyla Rader, LDH (Danville), dental hygienist with Brownsburg Dental Professionals and clinical assistant professor with the Indiana University School of Dentistry
  • Edward Sammons, DDS (West Lafayette), principal of Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Underground Plant Protection Advisory Committee

The governor made five reappointments to the committee, who will serve until October 31, 2025:

  • Angela DeKemper (Mt. Vernon), supervisor of land/legal and right of way with Countrymark Refining and Logistics, LLC
  • Rick Smith (DeMotte), gas operations compliance manager with NIPSCO
  • Scott Sontag (Plainfield), COO of JDH Contracting
  • Blaine Walters (Carmel), quality manager at USIC
  • Benjamin Warren (Greenfield), director of gas transmission and distribution at Citizens Energy Group

The governor also made two new appointments to the committee, who will serve until October 31, 2025:

  • Bruce Dickie (Bremen), manager of safety and resources with Selge Construction
  • Justin Sell (Carmel), director of operations and technology with the Underground Safety Alliance

Newton And Smith Lead UE In Gulf Coast Showcase Finale

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ESTERO, Fla. – Jawaun Newton and Antoine Smith Jr. wrapped up strong weeks at the Gulf Coast Showcase in Wednesday’s 69-60 loss to Akron inside Hertz Arena.

Newton recorded the first double-double of his Purple Aces (2-6) career, finishing with 19 points and a career-high 10 rebounds.  Smith was just behind with 16 points while adding three triples.  Akron (3-3) saw Ali Ali lead all scorers with 20 points on a 6-for-8 shooting day that saw him convert all four 3-point attempts.

Akron hit two early 3-pointers to open the game while Evansville got on the board when Antoine Smith Jr. hit a triple.  Trailing 6-5, UE took its first lead at the 16:20 mark when Jawaun Newton drained a three.  The Zips responded with five in a row to go up by an 11-8 margin before Iyen Enaruna hit a layup to break a scoreless drought of close to four minutes.

With nine minutes remaining in the half, Evansville remained with a point (15-14) before the Zips added to their lead, embarking on an 11-2 run to open a 26-16 advantage.  Ali Ali capped off the run with a 3-pointer as the Zips hit 7 of their first 9 long range attempts.  Inside the final minute, the 8th triple by Akron cemented a 33-20 lead at the break.  Evansville finished the half hitting two of their final 16 field goals.

Antoine Smith Jr. took matters into his own hands out of the break, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers to make it a 9-point game at 35-26.  Following a technical foul on Akron, Newton hit both free throws before Smith knocked down a layup on the ensuing possession to get UE within five.  A 9-0 run was completed with a Newton dunk on a runout. To make it a 35-32 score.

Akron regrouped to get back on track, scoring 11 of the next 13 points to retake their double figure lead with a 46-34 lead inside of the 10-minute mark.  Just over a minute later, a 3-point play by Newton got his team back within seven before Akron answered to push their edge back to double figures.  Evansville continued to fight, hitting 5 out of 6 field goal attempts with the contest entering the final four minutes, but the Zips continued to answer and held a 12-point lead at the 3:33 mark.

Evansville showed its heart and fought back with every possession and it showed with Shamar Givance and Newton scoring three each to cut the gap to six (62-56) with 2:30 remaining, but they would not get closer with Akron clinching the 69-60 victory.

UE finished the game shooting 37.3% from the field while Akron shot 48.8%.  One of the big positvies for UE came on the boards as they grabbed 12 offensive rebounds.

Next up for Evansville is a trip to Eastern Illinois for a 1 p.m. game on Sunday.

 

Hoosier Trio Earns Big Ten Weekly Awards

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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Three Indiana swimming and diving student athletes were named winners of Big Ten weekly awards after strong performances at the Ohio State Fall Invitational, the conference office announced Wednesday (Nov. 24).

Indiana swept the men’s and women’s swimmer of the week awards, as junior Brendan Burns and senior Mackenzie Looze, respectively, won the honors. Brearna Crawford picked up her second Big Ten Freshman of the Week award.In all, five Indiana swimming and diving student-athletes have totaled nine such awards this season over three separate weeks of eligibility.

Burns earned his third conference award of the season and fourth of his career after contributing four wins, two second place and two fourth place finishes to the Hoosier men’s dominant win at the Ohio State Fall Invitational. His performance in the 200 Backstroke was the highlight as he touched the wall in an NCAA B cut time of 1:40.27, the top time in the NCAA this season.

In relays, Burns helped set meet records and in the 400 Medley Relay (3:04.05) and 800 Freestyle Relay (6:17.27). Both times rank top 10 in program history. In finals, Burns collected five NCAA B cuts and an NCAA A cut in the 400 Medley.

Looze tallied her first-ever Big Ten weekly award via a win and three runner-up placements as part of eight total top 10 finishes in Columbus. The junior also tallied six NCAA B cuts in eight finals. Looze’s win came in the 200 IM as she recorded the No. 9 time in the NCAA and No. 1 time in the Big Ten with a 1:56.14. Including the 200 IM, Looze finished top 15 in the NCAA in five races total; the 800 and 400 freestyle relays, 200 Breaststroke and 400 IM.

Crawford finished top 10 in all seven events she raced with NCAA B cut times in four of those. Her performance included a win in the 200 Breaststroke with a time of 2:08.40, the No. 11 time in the country and No. 2 in the conference. Crawford also finished second in the 100 Breaststroke with a 59.32, good for the 13th fastest time in the NCAA.

Up Next
Both the men’s and women’s teams will finish the fall portion of their schedule when they host Cincinnati for a dual meet Friday, December 3, inside Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatics Center.

 

Support Small Businesses In Downtown Evansville

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Support Small Businesses In Downtown Evansville
 BY Wendy McNamara
After celebrating the holiday, let’s come together on Nov. 27 to support our neighbors and shop local on Small Business Saturday.

Our community is home to hardworking entrepreneurs offering a number of unique goods and services.

Downtown Evansville is hosting a Small Business Saturday event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including special free shopping bags, live music as you shop, pop-up vendors, free gift wrapping and numerous sales.

EWSU Offices Closed Nov. 25 and 26 for Thanksgiving

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Trash, recycling suspended Thanksgiving Day, on a one-day delay Friday and Saturday

 (Evansville, IN) – Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday. EWSU business offices will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday, November 25 and 26, 2021. Customers who experience a water or sewer emergency during the holidays or on weekends should call the EWSU After Hours Emergency Number at 812-421-2130. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, November 29, 2021.

Trash and recycling collections for City residents who pay for the services with their monthly EWSU bill will be suspended Thanksgiving Day. Republic Services will collect trash and recycling on a one-day delay Friday and Saturday, November 26 and 27. The regular trash collection schedule will resume on Monday, November 29, 2021

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